HAMILTON  — Fred '50 and Marilyn Dunlap Head Football Coach Stan Dakosty strengthened the Class of 2028 recruiting class with the addition of three new commits. Payton Hawkins, Carson Wilkie and Tyler Fontenot join the class of 24 new Raiders that were signed in December, with more reinforcements joining the roster on the third signing day in the coming weeks. 

"We signed a lot of guys in December but we knew there were some spots left to fill and we had a lot of talented guys in the mix and on our recruiting boards" Dakosty said. "The three we signed today are special. We've got a defensive lineman from one of the best programs in the country. We're excited about Payton and his potential. He's a three-time state champion where he played both sides of the ball, which at a program like his, that's extremely impressive." 

"From a specialist standpoint, we've got a great combination of talent, leg strength and skill sets with both Carson and Tyler. They complement each other really well and both have a tremendous upside. You see where they both stand in regards to national rankings and how they stack up against some of the best specialists in the country, so we couldn't be more excited to bring them into what is already a talented specialist room." 

Continue reading to learn more about the trio of new Raiders heading to Hamilton this fall. 

Payton Hawkins | 6'3" | 260 | Highlights
Position: DL
Hometown: Bixby, Okla.
High School: Bixby
 

— Colgate Football (@ColgateFB) February 7, 2024

Carson Wilkie | 5'10" | 165 | Highlights
Position: P/K
Hometown: Westminster, Ga.
High School: Westminster
 

Adding a BIG leg to the Raider roster ????@carsonwilkie_ is heading to Hamilton!#GoGate | #ThreeForTheGate pic.twitter.com/o47nYuok8C

— Colgate Football (@ColgateFB) February 7, 2024

Tyler Fontenot | 6'1" | 170 | Highlights
Position: P/K
Hometown: McLean, Va.
High School: Bishop O'Connell
 

We got a Special-Teams Star ????@TylerFontenot6 is your newest Colgate Raider!#GoGate | #ThreeForTheGate | #NSD24 pic.twitter.com/eod8ilXxCm

— Colgate Football (@ColgateFB) February 7, 2024